Whirlpool Warrior MTG Card
2001-06-04 - Number 36
2012-06-01 - Number 29
2016-11-25 - Number 29
2020-09-26 - Number APC-36
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Merfolk Warrior |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
When Whirlpool Warrior comes into play, shuffle the cards from your hand into your library, then draw that many cards. o R, Sacrifice Whirlpool Warrior: Each player shuffles the cards from his or her hand into his or her library, then draws that many cards.
Cards like Whirlpool Warrior
Whirlpool Warrior offers a unique approach to reshuffling card decks in Magic: The Gathering. This card finds itself in the company of other game pieces like Jace’s Archivist which also permits players to discard their hand and draw anew. However, Whirlpool Warrior allows for a two-phase disruption – initially at your command and then on your terms as you decide when to sacrifice this creature.
Another analogue is Teferi’s Puzzle Box, which forces a new hand each turn, creating a consistent effect for destabilizing opponents. Unlike the instant impact of Whirlpool Warrior’s ability to shuffle at will, the Puzzle Box’s effect is reset only during the draw step, providing a more predictable, yet less flexible, control over hand contents.
Assessing Whirlpool Warrior’s capabilities in contrast to similar cards reveals the strategic versatility it offers, especially for players orchestrating the timing of hand and deck disruptions to maximize their play advantages.
Cards similar to Whirlpool Warrior by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Whirlpool Warrior presents a unique way to potentially refuel your hand with a new set of cards. Once on the battlefield, you can activate its ability to shuffle away your current hand into your library and draw that many cards again. It can significantly change the tide of a game, especially if you’re searching for better options or a key card to execute your strategy.
Resource Acceleration: In decks that synergize with the number of cards drawn or discarded, Whirlpool Warrior accelerates your resources by enabling potent interactions. It feeds graveyard strategies or increases the count for spells that grow stronger based on the number of cards in hand or cards drawn this turn.
Instant Speed: The real strength of Whirlpool Warrior’s ability is that it can be activated at instant speed. This flexibility allows you to respond to your opponent’s actions or end their turn, reshuffling your hand to draw a fresh suite of cards. This capability keeps opponents guessing and gives you the element of surprise, letting you adapt to the game’s flow without waiting for your own turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Whirlpool Warrior’s ability to shuffle your hand into your library and draw that many cards might seem advantageous at first glance. However, it also requires you to potentially lose grip on pivotal spells you’ve been holding onto for the perfect moment. Translating to times when the discard cost can outweigh the benefits, especially if your strategy depends on carefully curated hand content.
Specific Mana Cost: Steeping into the combo-centric blue territory, this card demands a precise mana configuration of one blue and one red, plus an additional generic mana, to cast. While its multicolored nature is a boon in decks tailored around those hues, it’s a stumbling block in monochromatic or color-light strategies, limiting Whirlpool Warrior’s versatility across various builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, including one that’s specific to blue and red, Whirlpool Warrior isn’t the most mana-efficient creature for its effects. In a game where tempo can dictate winners and losers, there are other creatures and spells that might hit the board earlier or offer more impactful abilities for a similar, if not lower, mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Whirlpool Warrior offers flexibility in deck building by serving as both an enabler for graveyard strategies and a potent way to disrupt opponents’ hands. This makes it a solid addition to various blue-centric decks.
Combo Potential: Known for its ability to synergize with cards that capitalize on drawing or discarding, Whirlpool Warrior can be the linchpin in combo decks aiming to cycle through the deck rapidly or win through laboratory maniac conditions.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state dominated by hand sculpting or graveyard-based strategies, Whirlpool Warrior can serve as a peerless equalizer. By reshuffling unwanted cards and limiting opponents’ options, it remains a valuable asset in dynamic metagames.
How to beat Whirlpool Warrior
Whirlpool Warrior is a unique creature card with a powerful ability to shuffle any number of cards from a player’s hand into their library, then draw that many cards. It can be a double-edged sword, benefiting both the player who controls it and their opponent if used unwisely. In closing down the Whirlpool Warrior’s effect, timing your plays and using instant-speed interaction are your key strategies.
Keep in mind the significance of graveyard interactions in your decisions. If your opponent is leveraging a graveyard-based strategy, disrupting their game plan with graveyard hate cards that nullify the benefits gleaned from Whirlpool Warrior’s ability can prove effective. Control the pace and refrain from overcommitting cards to the board if you anticipate the warrior’s appearance. Employ spot removal or abilities that can exile it in response to the activation of its ability to minimize its impact and maintain control over the game’s flow.
Ultimately, recognizing the situational potential of Whirlpool Warrior and integrating a proactive defensive stance can make a significant difference in online matches against decks that rely on this tricky creature.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Whirlpool Warrior MTG card by a specific set like Apocalypse and Planechase 2012, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.
For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.
Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.
Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Whirlpool Warrior and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Whirlpool Warrior Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2001-06-04 and 2016-11-25. Illustrated by Kev Walker.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2001-06-04 | Apocalypse | APC | 36 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 2 | 2012-06-01 | Planechase 2012 | PC2 | 29 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 3 | 2016-11-25 | Planechase Anthology | PCA | 29 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | APC-36 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Whirlpool Warrior has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |